5.16.2010

(Not So) Simple Skyscraper Scratchbuild (Part 2)

In my last post, the idea with this scratchbuild was to take easily available materials and make an N Scale skyscraper. The basis is a window/floor framework printed on regular 11'x17' (tabloid) paper- generously coated with spray paint on both sides - and some clear acrylic 'baseball' display cases.

I switched colors from the brown I had previously, using "Euro Grey" from Model Master spray paints instead, and I ditched the baseball display cases as the 'foundation' since the edges didn't glue level and I knew the seams would be noticeable. I substituted regular clear acrylic sheets as an alternative (these are available at the local hardware store and can be cut to the size you want generally).

The above photo also shows some trimwork I applied around the window edges with a black marker. Simple and crude, but I think just the hint of a black edge will help. More difficult to see in the above image is the "NTT" logo I cut into the paper. This is one advantage of this method as its easy to cut letters (well, at least letters that don't have curves) to get that back-lit corporate logo effect that is hard to do without a laser cutter!

I also wanted the windows to be a bit darker, but not too dark. I used 'Transparent Black Window Tint' from Model Masters, which turned out a lot better than I expected. Below are 'before' and 'after' shots:

The below photos shows the surface after being applied using adhesive spray glue. This was a less frantic experience than I thought. There are just a few spots that there may not have been enough adhesive and the paper doesn't sit as flush as I'd like, but these are relatively minor. Some of the initial lumpiness still shows in the below photo, but I was able to get most of this to flatten out.

And finally...need to fill in all those windows with something! So I used the same method for creating floors that I used on an earlier skyscraper and carefully glued and inserted the floors into the appropriate spot.

Yes all those wires are, of course, the leads for all the LED's in this model-I think it will be somewhere around 40 or 50 LED's (lost count!). My next post should have photos of this model all lit up! Of course, now that its almost Summer, the time for model railroading is very limited, but I hope to get it done before the end of the month!

5 comments:

Thats a very nice hue of black transparent tint. Windows wouldn't be complete without the window tints since it serves as a protection from too much heat. Learn more about window film at http://www.TintBuyer.com. They will provide everything you want to know about window tints such as the different types of tint, its benefits, prices and will help locate the best professional tint installer near your area.

Thank You Grehard! Fortunately "Google Translate" helps me to follow your progress! Very nice work and a great looking blog (I am always jealous of Wordpress blogs!)! Good to see all the images and news from Switzerland as well! Keep up the good work!

About Me

I'm into N Scale to have fun. Growing up my Dad was really big into HO (U.S.A. of course, mostly Western U.S. roads like Great Northern, Milwaukee Road, Northern Pacific, etc...) and he built me a small N Scale layout which I enjoyed as a small boy. Of the various trains I had at the time, the brand 'Minitrix' stuck in my head. As the years passed, N Scale was forgotten as new interests took my time.
As a new parent, I got back into model trains through O Gauge (Lionel and MTH). However, the cost of this scale, and the space needed for the sort of layout I wanted, made it a very frustrating hobby. Then one day at a hobby shop in California, I came across the Trix 2003 catalog; Inside this catalog were beautiful models of trains across Europe shown on beautiful layouts - and I was converted! It took a few years, but most of the O Gauge was sold (or stored) and I used the funds to start my new fantasy in N Scale.
Soon, I also discovered the amazing trains of Japan in N Scale, and begin my quest to build an interesting urban layout in a complete fantasy setting where the great trains of the world can run side by side!